The best art gifts for 5 year olds are a first step-by-step drawing book in a theme they love, a tracing book for easy wins, chunky washable markers and crayons, a big pad of paper, and a place to display their drawings. At five, kids are ready to follow simple steps, so a drawing book is a gift that grows with them.
Why five is a great drawing age
Around five, kids move from scribbles and simple shapes to recognizable people, animals and houses. Their hands are getting stronger and they want their drawings to “look right.” That’s exactly when step-by-step lessons help. See drawing milestones by age and teach a kindergartner to draw.
Drawing books for five-year-olds
- How to Draw books are made for ages 5 and up. Every step shows the complete drawing as a light gray outline, so kids can see the layout and spacing, and they add the black lines a few at a time. Choose a theme they love: animals, dinosaurs, unicorns, robots or monsters. See How to Draw.
- Trace Then Color books (ages 3+) let them trace a dotted outline, then color it. Many five-year-olds love these for easy, satisfying wins. See Trace Then Color.
- Both in the same theme. Tracing a dinosaur, then drawing one step by step, is a great way to build confidence.
Supplies
- Chunky washable markers.
- Thick crayons or twistable crayons.
- Triangle colored pencils (they help with grip). See pencil grip for kids.
- A big pad of plain paper.
- A clipboard or lap desk.
- A pencil case they can carry.
Big gifts
- An easel with a whiteboard and chalkboard side.
- A kids’ art table with storage. See set up a kids’ art corner.
- A display wall or clipboard gallery for their art. See how to display kids’ art.
Experiences
- A drawing date with a grandparent. See drawing with grandparents.
- A trip to a children’s museum with a sketchbook.
- A library story time with a drawing activity afterward.
What to skip at five
- Tiny fine-tip pens and lots of small pieces (frustrating for small hands).
- Books with lots of steps per drawing or very detailed art.
- Permanent markers.
Grid drawing?
Draw by Grid books are for ages 5 and up, but most kids get the most out of them from about 7. If a five-year-old loves careful, detailed work, give it a try; otherwise save it for later. See what is grid drawing?
Party favors and classmates
For birthday parties or class gifts, see party favors and classroom gifts.
Tip: Write a note inside the cover: “Happy 5th birthday! Show me your first drawing.” It turns a book into a keepsake.
The book that helps
Five-year-olds are ready for How to Draw (ages 5+), and Trace Then Color (ages 3+) is a great confidence-builder alongside it.
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals
Trace Then Color: Cartoon Dinosaurs
How to Draw: Baby AnimalsAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
What is a good art gift for a 5 year old?
A first step-by-step drawing book in their favorite theme, a tracing book, chunky washable markers and a big pad of paper.
Can 5 year olds use step-by-step drawing books?
Yes. How to Draw books are made for ages 5 and up, with a light gray outline of the finished drawing on every step to guide them.
What art supplies are best for a 5 year old?
Chunky washable markers, thick or twistable crayons, triangle colored pencils, plain paper and a clipboard.